KUCHING: Stronger links between young entrepreneurs in East and Peninsular Malaysia could open up new opportunities for strategic partnerships, market expansion and investment.
Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, said closer ties among entrepreneurs from different states would also facilitate knowledge sharing and strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“By connecting entrepreneurs from different states and regions, we can encourage the exchange of ideas, open up new markets and create meaningful opportunities for collaboration.
“A strong entrepreneurial network will contribute towards a more resilient, innovative and inclusive economy,” he said.
He said this when receiving participants of the East Malaysia Business Learning Tour 2.0, organised by SME Malaysia Young Entrepreneurs, at Baitulmakmur II in Petra Jaya on Friday.
Held from Aug 12 to 14, the programme brought together entrepreneurs and representatives from Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak to explore Sarawak’s business environment and build connections with local entrepreneurs.
Ripin said Sarawak remained committed to developing young entrepreneurs through various initiatives, including the Sarawak Youth StartUP programme.
The programme provides entrepreneurial knowledge, practical business skills, mentoring and continuous support to help young people venture into and grow their businesses.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s diversity and unity as strengths in fostering an inclusive society built on mutual respect.
Ripin said the state’s development aspirations under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 were guided by three pillars – economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
The delegation was led by SME Malaysia national vice-president Datuk Ada Poon Yin Hoong, together with SME Youth’s chairman Teh Gaik Cheong and SME Sarawak’s president Jordan Ong Chung Siang.
